Universal Unveils New-Look FBO at London Stansted

The refurbished Universal Aviation at London Stansted now features crew and passenger lounges, with interiors styled by designer Adriana Hoyos.

Universal Aviation opened its refurbished FBO at London Stansted Airport today. The 10,712-sq-ft facility now features crew and passenger lounges, as well as a business center with video-conferencing capability, two meeting rooms, flight-planning center, showers and changing rooms.

The FBO’s remodeling project, which cost more than $1 million, features interiors developed by designer Adriana Hoyos. During an inauguration ceremony earlier today, Universal also introduced a new Lebanese menu developed by its catering subsidiary, Air Culinaire, in response to rising demand among Middle Eastern customers.

Universal Weather & Aviation chairman Greg Evans told AIN that the upgrade at Stansted is part of a wider strategy that will see the U.S.-based group improve its various bases in 20 countries. The company now faces competition from four other FBOs at Stansted, with Fayair and Aero Toy Store recently having opened new facilities there. Fayair is owned by Egyptian tycoon Mohammed Al Fayed, who sold the Harrods Aviation FBO group in 2010 as part of the deal that saw his Harrods department store bought by Qatar Holdings.